Fire on the Landscape with Sam Shoaf

The whippoorwill, a species of concern here in Indiana, has found safe refuge in the recently burned areas of Downey Hill, but why? Join us for a guided hike through the Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill with Sam Shoaf, Director of Operations and Burn Boss at Eco Logic, LLC, to explore the vital role of fire in Indiana’s ecosystems. Sam will share insights into how prescribed burns are planned and conducted, and how fire helps maintain healthy forests, promote native plant growth, and support wildlife diversity. Participants will walk through areas recently shaped by fire and learn how this natural process contributes to long-term habitat restoration and resilience.